Constantia feels remarkably removed from Cape Town, even though the city is only a short drive away. As one of South Africa’s most historic wine regions, the valley combines old estates and established winemaking traditions with beautiful tasting rooms, restaurants and mountain views. We spent a few days exploring the area and these are the wineries and food spots that stood out most to us.
Best Wineries in Constantia
Klein Constantia
Klein Constantia is one of the estates we would visit for the wine alone. It is best known as the producer of Vin de Constance, the historic sweet wine that has become one of South Africa’s most iconic bottles and appears on wine lists around the world. Tasting it at the estate where it is made makes the experience particularly memorable. We also enjoyed being able to look directly into parts of the winemaking facility from the tasting room.
Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting combines a beautiful historic estate with a relaxed tasting experience and plenty of space to enjoy the surroundings. The gardens make it feel particularly inviting, and during our visit the tasting was generous without becoming overly formal. It is the kind of estate that works equally well if you are genuinely interested in the wines or simply want to spend some time among the vineyards.
Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia feels noticeably more contemporary than some of the older estates in the valley. Its hillside position provides spectacular views across Constantia, while the modern architecture and relaxed terrace give the winery a younger feel. We remember the incredibly welcoming staff almost as much as the scenery. Come for the wines, but it is easy to understand why the view has become part of the attraction too.
Best Places to Eat in Constantia
Tryn
Tryn is the main restaurant at Steenberg Farm and manages to feel polished without becoming overly formal. The setting among the vineyards is beautiful, but what stood out to us was how much choice there was beyond the usual meat-led fine-dining menu. Vegetarian dishes received genuine attention, while the seafood we tried was thoughtfully sourced and exceptionally well prepared. A very good option when you want a more refined meal in the valley.
Chardonnay Deli
Chardonnay Deli combines a bakery, deli and daytime restaurant in one of those places where the smell of freshly baked bread already makes a convincing first impression. The focus is on homemade food, pastries and deli products, with breakfast and lunch served throughout the day. We especially liked being able to eat there and browse the shelves afterwards — it feels more like a small food destination than simply a café.
Wildsprout
Wildsprout is a good counterpoint to all the wine tastings and long lunches around Constantia. The café focuses on generous, health-conscious food with plenty of plant-based options, while the adjoining grocer is filled with products to take home. We enjoyed the shop almost as much as the café itself, particularly if you want to pick up good ingredients or something for a picnic.
